A 3-2 victory over Real Madrid secured Chelsea's 10th consecutive unbeaten home group game, marking the start of their first campaign under new manager Sonia Bompastor at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Sjoeke Nüsken, Guro Reiten, and Mayra Ramirez maintained the Blues' flawless start to the season, though the two goals conceded hinted at defensive vulnerabilities. Pre-match confusion, including the Liquidator playing on loop and delayed kick-off, was resolved when Zecira Musovic hastily donned gloves, while goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, initially named in the starting lineup, was absent. Bompastor made three changes from the team that defeated Crystal Palace, with Sandy Baltimore, Mayra Ramírez, and Wieke Kaptein starting, and Ashley Lawerence and Aggie Beever-Jones on the bench. Erin Cuthbert was omitted due to illness.
Real Madrid's Alberto Toril introduced six new faces following their 1-0 win over Valencia, including Misa Rodríguez, Teresa Abelleira, Sheila García, Alba Redondo, Filippa Angeldal, and Maëlle Lakrar. Melanie Leupolz faced her former team. Chelsea, familiar with Real Madrid, faced the Spanish side for the first time under Bompastor's leadership. The manager had cautioned about their growing threat, emphasizing their ball possession and competitive nature.
Chelsea seized an early lead within three minutes through a deflected header by Sjoeke Nüsken. Guro Reiten's penalty doubled the lead, though defensive lapses allowed Redondo to halve the deficit before halftime. A precise cross by Lauren James led to Ramírez's goal, restoring the two-goal advantage. Despite Real Madrid's efforts, including a late goal by Linda Caicedo, Chelsea controlled the game. The sparse crowd and defensive vulnerabilities were notable, with Arsenal next in the league, potentially testing Chelsea's defense in a more open match.
